A revamped squad with the right blend of seasoned amateurs and upcoming stars will show up for the ICTSI-The Country Club when it joins the centerpiece regular men’s championship division of the 63rd Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub in Bacolod City next month. ICTSI-TCC is left with no choice but to change its make-up as two of its bankable stars, Ferdinand Aunzo and Anthony Fernando, turned professional right after last year’s Davao edition of the PAL Interclub, one of the country’s oldest amateur team championships. Aunzo, who recently got his regular Asian Tour card and Fernando, a former national amateur champion, put in strong performances to tow the ICTSI-TCC to a runner-up finish on its debut against Canlubang.
National team mainstays and holdovers Antonio Asistio II, Peter Villaber, and Rufino Bayron will banner the ICTSI-TCC this year with Dante Becierra, Brent Sumampong and JR Tanpinco. There are three open slots still to fill in, according to team captain Freddie Mendoza. “We are in the process of rebuilding and strengthening our group. Coach Bong Lopez and I have to come up with a very competitive mix to offset the gap left by Aunzo and Fernando’s departure,” Mendoza said.
Defending champion Canlubang has yet to finalize its roster although it has already committed to participate in the regular men’s and seniors divisions.
Jhonel Ababa, Mhark Fernando and coach Tommy Manotoc are expected to lead Canlubang. Other possible teammates are Albin Engino, Jessie Balasabas, Joseph Labajo, Mario Labajo and Judson Eustaquio
The regular men’s division is set from February 24 to 27 while the seniors event will be played on February 18 to 21 of the event which will be played at the Binitin and Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club courses.
